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Ash7.5
Ashwagandha Research
Likely helps
115 peer-reviewed studies
What the evidence says
Likely helps
Ashwagandha appears to help in 13 of 13 studies with measurable effects — the evidence leans clearly favourable.
Most evidence is from high-quality meta-analyses and randomised trials published 2009–2026 with a typical study size of 60 participants.
Based on 115 studies · 13 meta-analyses · 51 RCTs · 19,960 total participants
7Hypothyroidism signs and symptomsSystematic Reviewn=186 · medium study2023
In plain English: Some herbal remedies, including Nigella sativa L., ashwagandha, and Mentha x Piperita L., can improve the signs and symptoms of primary hypothyroidism, but using a more extensive and advanced methodology will provide us with more complete results.
Javidi N et al. · Current drug discovery technologies (2023)
Likely real
In one study, Nigella sativa L. caused a significant decrease in weight (P=0.004) and body mass index (BMI) (P=0.002).
TSH levels were reported to be decreased and T3 increased in the treatment group (P =0.03) (P=0.008), respectively.
In another study on Nigella sativa L., results did not show a significant difference between the two groups (p=0.02).
10Testosterone concentrationsSystematic Reviewn=32 · small study2021
In plain English: Overall, 9 out of 32 studies demonstrated statistically significant increases in testosterone concentrations.
Smith SJ et al. · Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.) (2021)
Overall, 9 out of 32 studies demonstrated statistically significant increases in testosterone concentrations.
Conclusions are moderated by the paucity of research for many herbs, the variation in dosages and extracts used, small sample sizes, and the heterogeneity of study characteristics.
Also, further research is required before definitive conclusions on efficacy and safety can be made.
In plain English: While W. somnifera extracts yielded promising results, further research with larger sample sizes is needed to confirm its effects on anxiety and insomnia.
Fatima K et al. · Human psychopharmacology (2024)
Noticeable benefit
← WorseNo effectBetter →
Likely real
Pooled results from five RCTs (n = 254) demonstrated that W. somnifera significantly reduced HAM-A scores (MD = -5.96; [95% CI -10.34, -1.59]; P = 0.008; I2 = 98%), as well as sleep parameters such as SOL, TST, PSQI, and SE, but not WASO and TIB.
While W. somnifera extracts yielded promising results, further research with larger sample sizes is needed to confirm its effects on anxiety and insomnia.
14Cognitive function and nootropic effectsSystematic Review2023
In plain English: Together, the results from the compiled studies highlight the nootropic effects and the inconsistencies regarding PDNs that require further research.Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2021.2021137.
Lorca C et al. · Critical reviews in food science and nutrition (2023)
Bacopa monnieri improves language, learning and memory.
Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) modulates anxiety and social-related cognitions.
Caffeine enhances attention and executive functions.
In plain English: Further, there was no in vitro and in vivo inhibition seen for CYP3A4 and CYP2D6, the two major hepatic drug metabolizing enzymes.
Tandon N et al. · Journal of ethnopharmacology (2020)
Properly designed, randomized-controlled, large-size, prospective trials with standardized preparations are needed to ascertain efficacy of Aswagandha root in previously studied and other new indications.
18Anxiety symptoms (HAMA scores)Meta-Analysisn=29 · very small study2022
In plain English: Medicinal herbs may be promising for the treatment of anxiety.
Zhang W et al. · Pharmacological research (2022)
Noticeable benefit
← WorseNo effectBetter →
Kava was found to be an effective anxiolytic (MD: -2.46, 95% CrI: -4.47 to -0.32) but possibly ineffective in patients with generalized anxiety disorder (MD: -0.17, 95% CrI: -2.55 to -1.97).
Ginkgo biloba (MD: -4.63, 95% CrI: -9.01 to -0.23) and Withania somnifera (MD: -4.90, 95% CrI: -9.70 to -0.17) were efficacious, as measured by HAMA scores but the trials were limited by their small sample sizes.
Conversely, although Passionflower (MD: -4.20, 95% CrI: -8.82 to 0.16) and Saffron (MD: -2.71, 95% CrI: -6.06 to 0.57) did not reduce HAMA scores significantly in the summary network, both were worthy of further study because of support from separate networks.
19Psychiatric disorders treatment with nutraceuticals and phytoceuticalsSystematic Review2022
In plain English: Based on the current data and clinician input, a range of nutraceuticals and phytoceuticals were given either a supportive recommendation or a provisional recommendation across a range of various psychiatric disorders.
Sarris J et al. · The world journal of biological psychiatry : the official journal of the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (2022)
Based on the current data and clinician input, a range of nutraceuticals and phytoceuticals were given either a supportive recommendation or a provisional recommendation across a range of various psychiatric disorders.
However several had only a weak endorsement for potential use; for a few it was not possible to reach a clear recommendation direction, largely due to mixed study findings; while some other agents showed no obvious therapeutic benefit and were clearly not recommended for use.
It is the intention of these guidelines to inform psychiatric/medical, and health professional practice globally.